Chautala for national debate on nuke deal

Chandigarh, Aug 30 (UNI) Reiterating the opposition of the UNPA to the Indo-US nuclear deal, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) supremo Om Prakash Chautala said the deal should be made a subject of a national debate.

''The country has gained Independence after great sacrifices and we don't wan to lose it again,'' Mr Chautala said at a press conference here today.

He said the country was likely to face mid-term Lok Sabha polls on this issue as the left parties could withdraw support from the UPA government any time.

The INLD, he said, was ready to face the elections any time on ''24-hour notice.'' Regarding BJP leader L K Advani going on the back foot on the issue, he said Mr Advani had developed a habit of making controversial statements. He had displayed this inclination earlier by making a controversial statement with regard to Jinnah in Pakistan.

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